18 AUGUST 2017

Renda has Big Fight Incentive

Cello Renda can book an English-title shot in Peterborough next month.

Renda has been added to the boxing event at the Arena on Saturday, May 11 and knows a big fight will be next if he wins.

Te British Boxing Board of Control last week made Renda the mandatory challenger for the English middleweight title held by Danny Butler - and promoter Robert Waterman hopes to bring the fight to the city in July.

Renda said: "This is fantastic news.

"I haven’t stopped thinking about the fight since I heard.

"Being English champion would mean so much to me. It’s what I’ve been working towards and why I’ve made all these sacrifices over the years."

Butler claimed the vacant English belt last month by handing Birmingham prospect Thomas Costello his first defeat.

Butler has previously challenged for British and Commonwealth honours - he was beaten in seven rounds by Darren Barker - and beating the Bristol boxer would take Renda a massive step towards a crack at the Lonsdale belt currently held by Billy-Joe Saunders.

Renda says manager and trainer Jon Pegg will help him take a step nearer his British-title target.

He said: "Jon is really happy with the fight and knows what the game plan has to be.

"He has seen a lot of Butler and a few of my gym mates have sparred him.

"We know Butler is fit, strong and won’t give up the English title without a fight.

"If I don’t bring my ’A’ game, Butler will beat me. But I’m going to push myself even harder in the gym and win this fight. I’m so hungry it’s unreal."

The English-title fight means Renda can’t afford any slip ups in Peterborough next month after being given the green light to box.

Doctors inserted 25 stitches in cuts to his eyes inflicted by Tyan Booth at the Arena in February and Renda says he’s ready to get back in the ring.

He said: "I don’t really need the fight in Peterborough, but I want to keep myself focussed and sharp."

Super-middleweight Sam Barron has had the best sparring in the world in the countdown to the show !

Father Gary contacted former opponent Robert McCracken and set up a sparring session with IBF super-middleweight champion Carl Froch in Sheffield.

Froch is currently preparing for his rematch with Mikkel Kessler on Saturday, May 25 - and gave Barron a vote of confidence after they swapped punches.

Barron, a knock-out winner on his pro debut in February, said: "Carl told me I’ve got a good jab and right hand and can be a good fighter. He says I need to relax more - but getting in the ring with him is a nerve-wracking experience ! He’s so strong and a dangerous puncher."

Barron clearly impressed because he’s been invited back for more sparring with Froch and Anthony Ogogo, the Olympic bronze medallist who makes his pro debut this weekend.